Projectile and cartridge



9, 1958 A. LosFELD PROJECTILE AND CARTRIDGE Filed` July 1. 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Dec. 9, w58 A. LosFr-:LD

PROJECTILE AND CARTRIDGE 4 Shee1'.s-Shee1'l 2 Filed July l, 1954 w www Dec. 9, 1958 A. LosFELD PROJECTILE AND CARTRIDGE Filed July 1. 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 9, 1958 A. LosFELD PROJECTILE AND CARTRIDGE 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed July 1, 1954 PRJECTELE AND 'CARTRIDGE Andr liosfeld, rlotueoing, France Application l'uly 1, 1954, Serial No. 440,745

4 Claims. (Cl. M12- 90) The object of the present invention is to provide an arrangement for reducing the calibres of artillery equipments with guns having smooth or rifled bores, which, without any modification of the operating gear or of the equipments in question, enables live ring to be carried out, but with projectiles of reduced size and having smaller charges and reduced eifective range. In consequence, the arrangement is capable of rendering very great service, in particular for instructional tiring, en-

abling this to be carried out without any appreciable wear i of the equipment whilst at the same time effecting a considerable economy in the cost of the projectiles employed.

Yreducing arrangement which can be very rapidly assembled and taken down again as quickly, and which can readily be carried on the back of a person.

A further object comprises an easy and practical means of control of the pressure of the propulsive gases acting fon the projectile and, in consequence, Varying the range of this latter.

The invention is also directed to the production of projectiles intended for use with a calibre-reducing arrangement of the kind referred to, these projectiles being generally similar to the usual types of projectile but comprising preferably a certain number of special features Vprovided either with a view to reducing their cost or to add to the interest of the exercise.

The invention is furthermore directed to making certain improvements, on the one hand in propulsive cartridges and also in smoke-generating cartridges, within the scope and the framework of the calibre-reducing arrangements described. These improvements are however, also such as to be applicable to projectiles used with normal equipments during live firing. These improvements have the object of ensuring a high degree of regularity in operation, which results in a surprising precision of iire. ln a more general manner, they are intended to satisfy, by very simple and economical means and with a standard equipment, the most varied requirements of their users in respect of tracer, marker, star shells, etc.

The special features and advantages of the invention will furthermore be made clear in the description which follows below concerning certain forms of embodiment, chosen solely by way of example, with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a general arrangement in elevation, and in axial cross-section in the left-hand half of the ligure, of a calibre-reducing device for a mortar.

Fig. 2 shows to a larger scale the details of the device lfor controlling gas pressure.

2,863,315; Patented Dec. 9, 1958 Fig. 3 shows various shapes of orifices which may be formed in the reduced-calibre tube for the escape of gases, in dependence on the activity of the powders used for the propulsive charges.

Fig. 4 is a detail view, half in cross-section, of an alternative form of construction of the base.

Figs. 5 and 6 are views similar to that of Fig. 2, showing two separate positions of a closure device using a sliding sleeve.

Fig. 7 is a View in elevation, half in cross-section of a projectile tted with tins.

Fig. 8 is a similar corresponding view of a projectile for rifled bores.

Fig. 9 is a view in axial cross-section of a propulsive cartridge.

Figs. 10 to l2 are views in axial cross-section of a number of alternative forms of a smoke-generating cartridge.

Figs. 13 .and 14 are detail views showing two forms of the percussion-rod.

Fig. 15 shows an alternative form of construction of the nozzle portion of the smoke-generating cartridge.

In accordance with the form of embodiment chosen and shown in Figs. 1 to 3, there is placed in the interior of a gun barrel 1, which is to be reduced in calibre during the period of instruction or training, a calibrereducing tube 2. This tube is provided on the exterior of the mouth portion with a reinforcing sleeve 3 comprising a conical section 4 at its rear end, similar to the gripping sleeves of the current types known at the present time. A knurled ring 5 screws on to the sleeve 3 at 6 so as to ensure rigid fixation of the assembly on the tube 2. At the threaded forward end 7 of the sleeve 3, there is screwed a tightening plug 8 having an annual internal projecting portion 9 which is forced hard against a conical internal seating 10 of the sleeve 3. This conical portion is also split longitudinally so as to increase its elasticity. On the other hand, the external portion of the sleeve 3 ensures the central exact positioning of the reduced-calibre tube 2 in the axis of the gun 1 by making Contact with a series of radial ns 11 provided on the internal wall of the tube 1. The base of the plug 8 is pierced with a certain number of holes 12 and an annular passage 13 is formed around the mouth of the tube 1. The holes 12 are intended to serve in operating the tightening plug by means of a tool.

At the opposite end of the reduced-calibre tube 2, at the base end 14 of the gun-barrel 1, there is provided a second reinforcing sleeve 15, having its front end at 16 a conical portion split longitudinally into tongues which are engaged by a tightening ring 17 screwing on to a threaded portion 18. The rear part of the reinforcing sleeve 15, which forms a collet, is supported on the base of the breech of the tube 1 at 19. Slots or openings provided in this collet permit residual gases eventually to pass out during firing. The cylindrical external part of the sleeve 15 ensures the exact centering of the reducedcalibre tube 2 on the axis of the tube 1 by means of a series of radial fins 20. A fixed abutment member 21 retains the whole assembly in position. In the reducedcalibre tube 2, there is provided a threaded portion 22 into which is screwed a base member 23 in which slides a tiring-pin 24 of known type, terminating in an anvil 25 intended to be supported against the tiring pin 26 of the gun 1, whether the latter is of the self-percussion type or of the controlled-percussion type. A spring 27 supported on the one hand against the breech 23 and on the other hand by the anvil 25, maintains the pin 24 in permanent contact with the firing pin 26.

Between the reinforcement sleeve 3, on the muzzle side, and the reinforcing sleeve 15 on the breech side, there are formed on the reduced-calibre tube 2 (see Fig. 2)

in lines or staggered, a seriesof openings which-may be of constant shape and dimensions or not, in accord-v ance, for example, with the shapes a, b, c, d, e, f, of Fig. 3. These holes'are clo's'ed' or'v open, depending on` the conditions ofr use, by anadjust'ablesleeve 31 split longitudinally at 32 and locked after adjustment by a ring 33 screwed at 34. A series of graduation marks 35 are provided on the reduced-calibre tube l for the purpose of adjustment of the sliding sleeve 31. The gases liberated, which escape through the oriiices`30, pass outwards and expand into the interior of the tubeY 1, and then ilow towards the exterior between the tins 11, through the holes 12 of the locking lplug 5 and through the annular passage 13. j

Fig. 4 is a detail view relative to a particular form of construction of the breech. In the base oft-he reduced calibre tube 4t) is vscrev'vedabreech memberV 41 constitutedby a tube comprising a series of openings l2-disposed opposite a corresponding' series' of ports'43 arranged around the periphery ofV the tube`40 at the correspondscrewed in its turn at 44 a 'guide-sleeve 45 in which slides the tiring-pin 46, the tail 47 of which-is engaged in' an anvil 48` resting upon the tiring-pin 49 of the gun with which it is associated. An abutment ring 50 is applied by a spring 5l against Athe anvil 48. Around the upper part of the sleeve 45, there is finally arranged a sliding member 52 which is supported by a series of radial feet 53 on the internal surface of the breech 41 and the -head portion 54 of which forms a flap-valve co-operating with a valve seating 55 formed at the upper extremity of the breech lll. A spring 56 tends to maintain the valve thus constituted in the open position by lifting the member 52.

It will be seen' that this valve permits of a free escape of air through the ports 42, 43, during the descent of the projectile in the tubeg'the valve closes as soon as the projectile comes to rest'against the member 54 and remains 'closedv during tiring under the effect of the thrust of the gas pressure. An arrangement of this kind may be used separately or in combination With the equalising orifices 30. Y

Figs. 5 and 6 show two dilerent positions of an arrangement having equalising or'iiices with a sliding sleeve. of holes 59, of which at least some correspond to the holes 60 formed in the reduced-calibre tube, and cornprises a skirt 61 forming an annular chamber 62 around the reduced-calibre tube, the chamber being closed at its lower part by a ring 63 screwed to the" base of the said skirt. A shoulder 64 provided in the internal wall of the skirt 61 is normally intended to be supported on, an abutment ring 65 which is maintained projecting from the-external face of the tube 2, for example by means of retaining rings 66. A variable number of rings known as adjustment rings 67 are placed on the other hand beneath the abutment ring 65. A helicoidal spring 68 supported at one end on these rings and at the other end against the base of the sliding ring 63, tends to force the sleeve 58 towards the bottom and maintains it shoulder 64 in contact with the abutment ring 65.

In the position of rest of the sleeve, which position is determined by the position of the abutment ring 65, each of the holes 59 in the sleeve is located, as will be seen from Fig. 5, in the extension of a hole 60 in the reduced-calibre tube, whilst one or a number'of -holes 60a lead into the annular chamber. On tiring a shot, as the projectile passes over the holes 60a, the gases pass into the chamber 62 and force back the sliding sleeve forward into a position suchas that shown in Fig. 6, for example, and determined by the number or the thickness of the adjustment rings 67.

In this way, there may be obtained a complete or partial closing of the equalising orices when the shot is tired and a corresponding action is obtaillecl, adjust- 4. able within wide limits, on the tiring characteristics of the device. Y

The projectile employed may be of any desired type,

for example with fins and carrying at its rear a propulsive charge enclosed with its detonator in a cartridge and which can be provided, in addition, with supplementary charges in the'form of relays of powder in bags, in tubes or in sheets of known kinds.

With high-trajectory weapons of the mortar type,

loading is carried out by the muzzle in the usual way,`

the cartridge being tired automatically on contact with the tiring-pin or taking up a position for controlled tiring.

In the case in which the reduced-calibre device is used for rifled tubes for fiat-trajectory iire (tanks), the

Y projectile is enclosed with its charge and its relays in 2.0 ing level. Within the interior Vof the breech 41, there-is The sleeve 58 is pierced with a certain number a cartridge case and is introduced into the breech where the cartridge will be red and its case will be rigidly fixed` in the usual manner.V

Figs.' 7 and 8 show two examples ofprojectiles in accordance with the invention.

Fig. 7 shows a projectile, the general form of which is known for high trajectory iire. This projectile comprises a body 70 on to which is screwed at its front portion a lancet point 7l, a tube 72 with tins being at-Y tached to the rear portion. The lancet point may be replaced by a truncated or ilat end so as to avoid ricochets on landing and to enable the projectile to be more easily recovered by reducing its penetration into the ground at the point of impact. The tube 72 with tins is screwed on to a threaded nipple on the body 70 and is pierced with a certain number of holes 73 formed between the tins 74 of the tail portion. The propulsive cartridge 75 introduced into the end portion of the finned tube 72 is held in place by a plug 76 having an opening 77 or an elastic membrane to provide for the entry of the ring-pin when firing. The body 70 is provided with a certain number of holes 78, 79, 8i), which give into the interior of the said body. The front part 71, before it is placed in position on the body, is adapted to receive a tube 8l ending in a perforated plug 82 and comprising a series of Vholes such as 83, 84, 85, these holes being distributed over the whole length of the tube, either staggered o-r in line with each other. The interior of this tube is provided with a composition for generating smoke or for illumination, this composition 86 being made up, if desired, of different colours during its combustion along the trajectory of the projectile; this colour may vary, if so desired, as the projectile proceeds towards the target; starting' with white for example over the lirst third, green for the second third and red for the last third of the trajectory. A fuse 87 passing through the perforated plug 82 is intended to iire the tracer composition.

When the cartridge is tired, the gases passing out through the holes 73 of the tube 72 are not able to escape since they are enclosed by the gun barrel, and they thus penetrate intoV the interior of the body 70 through the holes 78, 79, 80, and ignite the fuse 87. The projectile thus becomes a tracer, since the products of combustion escape through the holes provided in the body 70.

Fig. 8 shows a projectile for flat-trajectory fire, the parts of this ligure which are similar to those of the preceding igure being given the same reference numbers with an index.

The gas-tight rings usually employed with this type of projectile and which are indicated at 8% in the preceding figure, are in this case replaced by an elastic skirt 99. This skirt may carry a certain number of holes 91. It is retained in position by simply gripping it between the body 70 and the front part 71. This lancet-shaped part is in two pieces 71 and 92; the end piece 92 is made of material which breaks when the projectile falls and is provided internally with a solid `orliquid coloured composition 93, the object of which is to leave a visible trace after tiring and upon impact, with armour-plate for example. As this projectile has been provided for flattrajectory iire from guns with ried bores equipped with a calibre-reducing device, a cartridge case 95 enables the projectile to bel centered in the moving breech; in the present case, this casing tits over the skirt 90 or alter* natively it could be chased into the gas-tight grooves 8S of Fig. 7. The other parts of the projectile are similar to those described with reference to Fig. 7 and conversely, the elastic skirt 90 could also quite well be fitted on a projectile of the type shown in Fig. 7.

The operation of this flat-trajectory projectile is, furthermore, similar to that described above.

The variations of the charge can be obtained in the usual manner, for example by cartridges of different lengths and relays arranged in Ythe'fins of the tail by means of bent-back clips forming part of the iin properly socalled.

A more particular description will now be given of the propulsive cartridges and also of smoke-generating cartridges, the use of which is advocated within the scope of the calibre-reducing devices in accordance with the invention, but the various arrangements of which are also suitable for application to projectiles of normal types during normal firing.

In accordance with the form of embodiment shown in Fig. 9, a propulsive cartridge is constituted by a cardboard casing 101, wholly impregnated with paraffin-wax, and the base of which is provided with a varnished cap 102 of brass which carries in the axis of a cardboard ring 103, a detonator 104 of the extra-sensitive closed type, without wad. All these parts specified are obtained from standard commercial production. On the ring 103 there is arranged a wedging tube 105 of cartridge paper, the interior of which is filled with a charge 106 of powder of the type balistite 0.75. This charge is covered by a wedging disc 107 of glazed cardboard over which is mounted a metallic washer 108 known as the anvil, preferably made of a heavy metal, for example lead. The disc-anvil 108 is covered with a packing of felt 109 covered in its turn with paper, then the extremity 110 of the case is turned inwards as shown in the drawings, to close the whole. The entire unit is impregnated with paraffin-wax so as to ensure complete water-tightness.

Experience shows that this internal arrangement of the cartridge ensures a surprising regularity of operation as from one cartridge to another. The density of charge of the powder in the space comprised within the wedging tube 105 of the disc 107 is maintained at between 0.58 and 0.65 approximately. The action of the wedging members on the one hand and the anvil-disc on the other gives the time necessary for the powder to ignite under well-determined conditions by correcting the irregularities which inevitably arise n the operation of the detonator.

Fig. l0 shows a simple form of construction of a smoke-generatingcartridge. This cartridge comprises a body 111 of metal or plastic material which is machined,

t moulded or pressed into a generally cylindrical form,

with one extremity 112 reduced in diameter in the form of a bottle-neck in which is inset a cylindrical tube or nozzle 113. This nozzle is filled with a charge of black powder or pulverin 114 strongly compressed (up to 20 kg. per mm?, for example) with a fuse 115 embedded in it at the external end of the nozzle at the time of the lling and compression of the charge 114 which is known as the delay charge. At the inner extremity of the nozzle, there is provided a conical space 116. The body 111 of the cartridge is lled with a smoke-generating composition 117 composed of a powder chosen in accordance with the type or colour of the discharge desired and compressed to a greater or less extent, depending on the length of time for which the discharge is required; a powerful compression for a considerable duration of smoke emission or slight tamping to obtain an immediate effect of short duration. After the smokeproducing composition has been put into position, the cartridge is closed by its air-tight plug 118 and sealed by a coating 119 of putty or cement. The unit assembled in the way described is ready to be introduced into the housing provided for that purpose in the projectile, with the fuse arranged at the breech end.

Immediately after the explosion of the propulsiva cartridge, the gases emitted into the breech of the gun pass through the openings formed in the projectile for that purpose and ignite the fuse and the delay charge 114 which burns for a predetermined time fixed at the time of manufacture. The ignition of the smoke-producing composition 117 is assisted by the conical space 116 provided in the charge 114 of black powder.

This method'of arrangement for a smoke-generating cartridge enables tracer smoke trails to be obtained over the trajectory or over a part of the trajectory with extinction upon reaching the ground or accompanied by emission of smoke at the ground without any impact explosion. In accordance with the users requirements, an explosive effect can also be obtained on the trajectory, by incorporating a portion of non-compressed black powder in the conical space 116.

The smoke-producing composition may vary in nature so as to give different colours, and provision may be made for lling the body of the cartridge with a number of layers of these various compositions to obtain, for example, emissions of different colours over successive parts of the trajectory.

The smoke-producing composition may also be replaced by products of a kind similar to Bengal lights which give a luminous effect during the trajectory or on the ground for tiring at night, for example.

Fig. ll shows a smoke-producing cartridge intended to supply a discharge of smoke at the moment of reaching the ground. The general form is the same as that of the cartridge shown in Fig. l0, and the corresponding members are marked with the same reference numbers. The delay charge 114 extends in this case only over a fraction of the length of the nozzle 113 and its firing-pin 120 is fixed in it by means of a tail portion 121, threaded or knurled so as to provide la rough surface (see also Fig. 5). At the opposite end and in the line of extension of the anchoring tail 121, is arranged the percussion point 122 properly so-called. A washer 123, carefully fixed before charging, is placed on the body 120 of the firing-pin on the side of the delay charge 114.

At the inner extremity of the nozzle 113 is provided a charged detonator 124 retained by a carefully made circular inset 125 and a coil spring 126 is inserted between this detonator and the body 120 of the firing-pin. Beneath. the detonator 124 there is provided a certain volume 127 of non-compressed black powder which serves to accelerate the combustion of the smoke-producing composition 117 and accentuates the effect of the explosion and noise at the time of impact.

As in the preceding case, at the moment of percussion the fuse 115 is ignited by the gases discharged into the breech of the gun. The delay charge 114, as it burns, sets free the tail 121 of the firing-pin which is then nolonger retained in the direction of the trajectory (arrow F), except by the spring 126, and towards the rear only by the washer 123 which is held by the ash or residues of the delay combustion. From this moment onwards, the smoke-producing cartridge is armed.

Upon the arrival of the projectile and at the precise moment of impact, the firing-pin 120 is projected forwards by the effect of its inertia, and the point 122 res the detonator 124 which instantaneously ignites the small charge of black powder 127, the latter igniting in turn the smoke-producing composition 117 accompanied by a noise of explosion and the ejection from the nozzle 112, in that order, of the washer 123, the tiring-pin 120, the

77^ spring Y126, the spent detonator 124, and nally thesmoke produced bythe combustion of'thejsmoke-producing oomposition 117 This smoke is discharged through the rear i from that previously described in that it has an anchoring,

tail 131 (see alsoFig. 14) of spatulate shapewhich projects beyond the external face of the delay charge 114;,

and is flattened so as to form a widened safety head. N o fuse has been provided in the present case. In this form of embodiment, the charges of black powder 137 and smoke-producing composition 138 may be prepared separately by filling them into coaxial sheaths, respectively,`

139 and 1.40, which are introduced inV succession `into the body 111.

The method of operation remains the Ysame as for the previous case, with -the supposition that the ignition of the delay charge 114 is directly effected by the propellent gases.

Fig. shows an alternative form of construction of,V

the body 111 in which the nozzle 113 is directly formed during the manufacture of the body.

It will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of the forms of construction chosen and shown, which have been given only kby way of example. the reinforcing sleeves of the reduced-calibre tube may, in particular, form the object of various alternative constructions, both from the point or" view of the fixation and tightening means employed and also in respect ofthe supporting members on the gun barrel, with the condition however that the circulation of the gases is permitted between the annular space surrounding the reduced-calibre tube and the atmosphere.

What I claimis:

l. A smoxe-generating,cartridge for the projectile corn-V prising a body having at .its rearward extremity a nozzlemember provided with a delayed charge adapted to be Thus aseasa ignited by the propellent gases at the moment of ringur` of the projectile, said delayA charge'lling only a portion p of said nozzle member, lafring pinlanchored in said delay charge, a detonator disposed at the internalY extremityof y, said nozzle member, and a' spring disposed between' said detonatorand saidpiring pin, said` iring pin comprising a percussion point, a body portion and a tail portion, said tail portion being adaptedto anchor the firing pin in nonoperative position in the delay charge.

A smoke-generating cartridge for av projectileasdeiined in claim 1, wherein a clearance is provided ber tween said body portion of the firing pin' and the wall and the inner diameter of said washer being substantially greater than the diameter of the tail portion of said tiringL pin. Y

3, A smoke-generating cartridge for a projectile" as de# "ned in claim 1, 'wherein said tail portion is provided l with a roughened surface by means of which said tiring@` pin is anchored in said delay charge,

4. A smoke-generating cartridge for a projectile asdefined in claim 1, wherein said tail portion is adapted to extend beyond the surface of the delay charge and the extremity of said tail portion, senlarged to form a widened anchoring means.

References Cited in the iile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

